By: Mike Wiser, Iowa Staff Union
More than 300 unionists set out for Loyola Avenue in New Orleans next month for the NSO Representative Assembly.
You might be wondering what they’ll be doing in Louisiana. Here’s what we found out:
What is the NSO RA? The RA is the legislative body of the National Staff Organization. All NSO affiliates are allowed to send one voting delegate to the assembly. Affiliates with more than 10 members can send two delegates. An additional delegate allotment per affiliate is then added every 25 members. For example, a state like Iowa, with 32 members, can send three delegates, while an affiliate with 78 members can send five delegates.
What does a delegate do while there? Each delegate is empowered to physically represent their affiliate on the floor of the RA, address the body on any business, elect officers, and pass a budget. Delegates also take votes on any amendments to governing policies, new business items, and resolutions.
Why are those things important? NSO operates on an annual budget cycle and oversees important member resources. You can find all the approved financial documents in the members-only section of the NSO website: www.nationalstaff.org. As for the others – an amendment to a governing policy is a change to the constitution or bylaws. A new business item is typically instructive of something delegates want to see NSO accomplish over the next year(s). And a resolution is a belief statement. Consider this scenario, to illustrate the difference: The delegates could approve a statement which says, “We believe Pepsi is better than Coke” (resolution). Or the delegates could mandate that NSO must serve Pepsi at all its meetings in the 25-26 fiscal year (new business item).
You mentioned elections: Yes. The NSO has elected officers and regional directors. There are five officers and nine directors. The officers are president, vice-president of defense, vice-president of program, secretary and treasurer. Seven directors are regional (click here to see a map) and two are at-large; one associate staff and the other professional staff.
So, who’s running? Odd-numbered directors are up in the odd years and even-numbered directors, plus officers, are up in the even-numbered years. All terms are for two years. So, this year elections will be held for director positions from 1, 3, 5, and 7, plus both of the at-large directors. There is currently a vacancy for vice-president of program which will also be on the ballot. That position is responsible for all NSO training and for on-site bargaining assistance, as well as crisis investigations and internal dispute resolutions, and for approval of financial assistance in these areas in accordance with NSO guidelines.
Who are the candidates? We won’t know the final ballot until the assembly. Candidates can turn in nominating petitions to the election committee beforehand or get nominated from the floor during the assembly. To be placed on the ballot, a nominee shall be a member in good standing; consent to be on the ballot; and have signatures of at least three NSO members on the nominating petition.
What else should I know? Outside of assembly business the NSO will have a social time and we’re always raising money for the Karen Cherry Disaster Relief Fund. It’s been 20 years since this fund was established to help NSO members who have suffered property damage due to a natural disaster. Past donations from our affiliates have helped NSO members who have sustained home damage because of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires. There’s also time for meeting after the meeting where delegates can connect and commiserate with their colleagues from around the country. The NSO Representative Assembly is really a chance for you to get your union on.
How do I register for the RA. Please advise me. baynes1917@yahoo.com
In order to register as a delegate you should speak with your state affiliate leaders about running for the position and getting elected, or being appointed to serve. You could even register as a “guest” and attend the event.